Chapter 7 — Emma's Twenty Years of Loyalty
# The Glass of Orange Juice
## Chapter 7 — Emma's Twenty Years of Loyalty
Daniel invited Emma into his study later that afternoon.
She looked nervous.
"I hope I haven't caused trouble, sir."
Daniel stood and offered her a chair.
"You've never caused trouble."
"I think you've been protecting this family."
Emma lowered her eyes.
"For a very long time."
Daniel quietly asked,
"How long have you known?"
Emma remained silent for several moments.
Then she answered honestly.
"Almost from the beginning."
She explained how Victoria's kindness disappeared whenever Daniel left for business.
How Helen was often ignored for hours.
How medications were delayed.
Meals were skipped.
Visitors were turned away with excuses.
Daniel listened in disbelief.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Emma's eyes filled with tears.
"I tried."
"Three times."
She explained that every letter she had written mysteriously disappeared before reaching him.
Phone calls ended before she could speak privately.
Victoria always seemed to know.
Daniel slowly realized...
His wife hadn't simply controlled the house.
She had controlled access to him.
Emma reached into her handbag.
"I've kept copies."
She handed Daniel several sealed envelopes.
Each one was addressed to him.
Each one had been written months earlier.
None had ever been delivered.
Daniel opened the first letter.
The date was nearly a year old.
His hands began to shake.
